Keshia | Creating strong foundations

A young mother takes up construction and graduates top of her class

"I used to have a measuring cup. Now I have a measuring tape."

“I used to have a measuring cup, now I have a measuring tape,” said Keshia, a young mother who recently completed Seattle Vocational Institute’s (SVI) Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT).

Woman holding arms up in show of strengthKeshia was intrigued by a PACT flyer she received at her Seattle Housing Authority home. She discussed the opportunity with her children and parents, and at the urging of her father, she decided to attend an information session.

After meeting SVI’s instructors and other SHA residents interested in the course, Keshia signed up. She learned how to use hand and power tools, mastered trades math and received certifications in forklift operation, road flagging, OSHA 10, first aid and CPR. She also discovered new leadership skills and became the keynote student speaker at SVI’s graduation ceremony.

Keshia graduated at the top of her class and accepted a position as a laborer to learn more aspects of the construction industry. She plans on taking additional courses to pursue her long-term career goal of becoming a cement mason.

“When you have a strong foundation in life, you are able to build and create other opportunities. I want to be the person that creates the foundation for others to build upon,” said Keshia.

A woman in construction gear raises arms in triumphant gesture
A woman in construction gear measures items at a worksite
Woman in hard hat holding hammer and board
A woman in construction gear raises arms in triumphant gesture
A woman in construction gear measures items at a worksite
Woman in hard hat holding hammer and board

Are you interested in learning the construction trade? Find out more about the PACT program.